Space Coast Area Transit bus rider, Andrew Johrendt, knows the importance of having reliable transportation options. Johrendt, a front service clerk at Publix, takes the bus to work six days a week, making riding transit a part of his daily commute.

Johrendt is lucky enough to live a short distance away from the bus stop, with it only being an 11-minute walk. While on the half hour bus ride, Johrendt enjoys having a few minutes to himself. While he does sometimes utilize the free Wi-Fi equipped on all Space Coast Area Transit buses to scroll through social media, Johrendt explains a benefit to taking the bus is the feeling of connection with his community.

“Most of the time I like to just watch the scenery go by and look out into the community and see any local shops or places that I might want to go to,” he says.

His biggest tip to those who are thinking of riding the bus is to plan ahead. “I have the 321 Transit app on my phone. It’s a big help in telling where exactly the bus is and helps with that challenge of knowing exactly when I need to leave the house.”

As a person with autism, Johrendt qualifies for reduced bus fare. He says it’s easy to purchase his 30-Day Reduced Fare Bus Pass with his Reduced Fare ID Card at the transit center. For the days when he may forget his bus pass, Johrendt says it’s simple to pay with change.

Reliable transportation options give Johrendt greater independence. He originally tried to find jobs within walking distance of his home, which limited his opportunities. When Vocational Rehabilitation, a public service that helps people with disabilities find and maintain employment and enhance their independence, provided Johrendt with a complimentary bus pass, he was able to expand his job search and find his position with Publix.

Living in Cocoa for most of his life, Johrendt was familiar with Space Coast Area Transit prior to his current job, although admits he used it sparingly. He rode the bus a few times in high school, to school events at the beach, or to downtown Cocoa. Now he mainly takes the bus for his commute, and occasionally uses it on his days off to explore the city.